Lipa opens new city hall at Ayala estate Areza

THE CITY GOVERNMENT of Lipa inaugurated its new city hall on April 8 within Areza, a masterplanned estate developed by Ayala Land Estates, Inc., a subsidiary of Ayala Land, Inc.

Areza, a 92-hectare masterplanned estate by Ayala Land, is envisioned as Lipa’s new city center, integrating walkable urban spaces, green corridors, and commercial districts within an infrastructure-supported environment.

The facility, located in Lipa’s emerging urban core, is intended to centralize key government services and improve accessibility for residents, according to a statement on Monday.

Mayor Eric B. Africa said the new city hall is expected to serve as a landmark that will strengthen the city’s identity and support its economic growth.

“Ang New Lipa City Hall ay maging isa sa new landmark sa Lipa. Na magbibigay ng pagkakakilanlan sa ating lungsod. Gusali na magiging bahagi ng turismo at sasalamin sa progresibong lungsod at higit na maghihikayat ng mga imbestors na maghahatid ng oportunidad na trabaho sa mga Lipeño (The New Lipa City Hall is expected to become a new landmark in Lipa, helping define the city’s identity. It will form part of the local tourism landscape and reflect a progressive city, while attracting investors that can generate job opportunities for Lipeños),” he said during the inauguration.

The development is expected to help position Areza as Lipa’s next central business and civic district, integrating government, commercial, and community spaces, Ayala Land Estates said.

Gilbert Ramos, Areza project development head, said the partnership between the local government and Ayala Land aims to support long-term urban growth.

“Over the long term, we see Areza evolving alongside the city, supporting its growth by providing a strategic, integrated location for key institutions and economic activity,” he said.

The new city hall has a floor area of about 23,000 square meters and will house key administrative offices to streamline public service delivery. It will also feature a performance hall, an annex building, and a 2,160-square-meter plaza.

Shares in Ayala Land slipped by 0.11% or two centavos to close at P18.06 on Monday. — Juliana Chloe A. Gonzales